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Cobboboonee National Park

Visitor Guide“Cobboboonee belongs to our stories, our past and our future. Our Gunditjmara spirit flows across

this land just like the Tyrendarra (lava) from Budj Bim and swimming Kooyang (eels). It is special to

us and we ask that you care for it when you visit.” Gunditjmara Traditional Owners

Short walks to break the ride are also available at this site. Although the trail follows quiet forest roads, take care of all traffic. The trail can be shortened by taking some of the east-west running roads.The Cobboboonee Horse Trail10km – 4 hour return (easy)Starts near the intersection of Jennings and Blackwoods Roads, and follows existing forest roads with views into surrounding beef and dairy farmland.

"Aunty Betty King and Aunty Sandra Onus walked thisCountry, talking with all who would listen, sharing their vision, passion and connection to this special place. The owl and the eagle are two symbols of their enduring spirit here at Cobboboonee.”

Enjoying the parkCobboboonee National Park has lowland forests, heathlands and wetlands offering a wide range of activities for visitors.

WalkingThere are a variety of walking tracks in the area, catering for all fitness levels.The spectacular Great South West Walk treks through the park and continues on through several of south-west Victoria's other great parks. A separate brochure covering the entire 250-kilometre walk is available from visitor information centres at Portland, Nelson, Hamilton and Warrnambool and on-line at www.greatsouthwestwalk.com. More walks are listed overleaf. Camping fees apply to hikers camps along the walk. To book go to www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay

Camping and picnicsJackass Fern Gully Campground, Wright’s Campground and Surry Ridge Campground are the main picnic and campgrounds. These campsites and their surrounds are flat and provide reasonable access for people with disabilities. Each has toilet facilities, picnic tables and fireplaces.

Horse ridingGreat Cobboboonee Horse Trail60km - 3 days (medium)This ride extends along 60kms of forest roads, running north south.The tour starts at the intersection of the Portland- Nelson Road and Wright Swamp Road. The trail uses the Wright’s Camground and tranquil Jackass Fern Gully Campground for overnight camping.

Riders can take a short detour at the northern end of the ride to view the nearby Surry River. Take care when traffic passes. Horses are not permitted on walking tracks.

Touring by vehicleOne of the most popular touring routes is the Wood, Wine and Roses Forest Drive. This drive weaves for 90-kilometres between Portland and Heywood and takes in the scenic rural landscape, local wineries, a rose farm and both the Cobboboonee National Park and adjoining Forest Park.

Caring for CountryThrough their rich culture Aboriginal people have been continually connected to Country – including the area now known as the Cobboboonee National Park– for tens of thousands of years. Members of the Gunditjmara community welcome and remind us that this cultural landscape is part of Australia’s heritage, and ask that visitors respect the many significant sites within this area when visiting them. All cultural sites are protected by law."Ngatanwarr wartee pa kakay teen Gunditjmara mirring"; Welcome brothers and sisters to Gunditjmara Country.Parks Victoria recognises this connection and acknowledges the Gunditjmara people as Traditional Owners of this area.

Be fire ready and stay safeMany parks and forests are located in high fire risk areas. On days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger this park will be closed for public safety.If you are already in the park you should leave the night before or early in the morning for your own safety.Closure signs will be erected and rangers will patrol when possible, however you may not receive a personal warning that the park is closed so check the latest conditions by calling 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.auFor up to date information on fires in Victoria or general fire safety advice call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit our website at

www.parks.vic.gov.au

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For further informationParks Victoria Information

Centre Call 13 1963

or visit theParks Victoria websitewww.parks.vic.gov.au

Portland Maritime Discovery Centre

Lee Breakwater Road Portland, Victoria 3305

Tel: (03) 5523 2671Nelson

Visitor Information Centre(08) 8738 4051

Caring for the environment All native plants,

animals, archaeologicalsites, historic and cultural

remains and geological features are protected by

law and must not be disturbed, damaged or

removed.Dogs and other pets are

not permitted in most parksand reserves.

Please take all

rubbishhome with you for disposal

or recycling. Vehicles, including

motorbikes, may only beused on public roads.

All drivers must be licensed and vehicles registered

androadworthy.

Please bring your owndrinking water. Unless

signed otherwise, waterfrom any source within any

park or reserve has not been treated and is

therefore not considered tobe fit for human

consumption.

Park closures Be prepared to leave early as extreme weather may

cause the closure of some park areas for public safety.

Mobile Phones You may not be in network range in some

areas of the park. To be connected

to Police, Ambulance or CFA, key in 112 then press

the YES key

Healthy Parks Healthy People

Visiting a park can improve your health, mind,

body and soul. So, with over four million hectares of

parkland available to Victorians, why not escape

to a park today!

Exploring on footCompletion times are conservative and intended as a guide only. Times may vary significantly depending on fitness level and hiking experience. The difficulty level is based on a number of factors including gradient, track length, track surface conditions and weather. Refer to track grades when choosing a walk.Easy - mainly flat tracks. Most easy walks are suitable for family groups. Average level fitness.Medium - consistent walking with some sustained climbs and descents. Good level fitness.Hard - consistent walking in difficult terrain, including steep climbs and descents. High level fitness.

Heathland Nature Walk3km - 40 minutes (easy)This short return walk takes you through picturesque heathland with colourful spring wildflower displays and panoramic views.

Tim's Loop Walk1km - 30 minutes (easy)The walk passes through the forest to the Surry River. Messmate, Swamp gums and Blackwood abound along the way and watch for koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and the smaller Red-Necked Wallaby.

This park provides habitat for the endangered Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus).

The surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals including towering Blackwoods, tree ferns and many small fungi. Powerful owls, Yellow-bellied gliders and kingfishers can be seen, and evidence of smaller mammals such as potoroos and bandicoots are present.

Cobboboonee Camp to Cut-Out Camp(section of Great South West Walk)8km - 4 hours (medium)This is an enjoyable flat walk through heathland and Messmate forest, suitable for walkers prepared to run a car shuttle. Alternatively, the walk can be done as a pleasant overnight return trip. A good walk for bird lovers and to see spring wildflowers.

Walking: be safe be prepared Always check weather conditions Wear sturdy footwear with a good tread Always carry a good quality map Always carry drinking water and food

Walking tracks may involve rock steps, uneven and slippery track surfaces, water crossings and rock hopping

Keep to the walking tracks, mind your footing and supervise children at all times

On longer walks, carry protective clothing A hat, drinking water and sunscreen

are essential in summer Be aware tree limbs may drop

without warning

FireFires may only be lit in fireplaces provided. Firewood may be collected only for campfires within the park and should only be dead wood from the ground.No fires may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban. Cobboboonee National Park is in the South West Total Fire Ban District. It is your responsibility to know if it is a day of Total Fire Ban. If in doubt call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on1800 240 667.

Exploring the regionCobboboonee Forest Park offers a diverse range ofrecreation activities. Visit the Department of Environment and Primary Industries website www. depi .vic. g ov.au Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape was one of the first three landscapes in Victoria to be listed on the National Heritage List in July 2004. Budj Bim (Mt Eccles) is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow, central to the history of the Gunditjmara people. Gunditjmara people manage the Indigenous heritage values of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape, through the Gunditj Miring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.Mt Eccles National Park is home to a simmering volcano that once lit up the countryside with exploding fireballs and rivers of hot glowing lava. Discover the wonders of this volcanic landmark and enjoy the walking opportunities in the park.Lower Glenelg National Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Parks offer some of Victoria’s finest natural settings including the beautiful Glenelg River and estuary and the sweeping ocean beaches of Discovery Bay.Mt Richmond National Park is the perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk or enjoy the magnificent views. It is home to spectacular spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife in unspoilt bushland.

How to get thereCobboboonee National Park can be reached via thePrinces Highway from Portland, Heywood or Dartmoor.

June 2014Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper